Hleb plays down exit reports

Arsenal winger Alex Hleb has played down talk of him making an imminent exit from the Gunners, despite rumours linking him with a number of top clubs across Europe.

The 27-year-old's agent had made it clear that the Belarus international wants a new challenge, but Hleb has now tried to play down the speculation linking him with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Internazionale.

He told Spox.com: "I have a contract at Arsenal until 2010.

"I have also read that I have said I want to leave, but I do not know who has written it. That is nonsense.

"I have also read that I wanted to move because Arsenal would win nothing, this too is nonsense.

"But I would really not like to comment on the issue really, because there is nothing more to say because the club means so much to me.

"I have learned so much from Arsene Wenger. This man has always supported me and given me the chance to come to Arsenal. I would therefore never say anything negative about Arsenal.

"If I go, then only to a different league, in any case. In England, there is only Arsenal for me."